Chris Albrecht to Stay Atop Starz After Lionsgate Acquisition

Lionsgate may be buying Starz, but that doesn’t mean the acquired company’s CEO will be hitting the unemployment line.

“We expect Chris not only to continue to run Starz, but also to have a major participation in the leadership of the entire combined company, including joining our executives committee,” Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer said Thursday during a conference call.

Albrecht was there too, and encouraged to pipe up.

“I think the opportunities are enormous,” he said. “I’m looking to just contribute in any way that I can.”

Considering Albrecht just signed a new deal on Monday to remain CEO through 2020, the public vote of confidence makes sense. Albrecht also added the title of “President” to his business card at the time.

Also Read: Lionsgate to Acquire Starz in $4.4 Billion Deal

Lionsgate agreed to acquire Starz in a $4.4 billion cash and stock deal announced this morning. The two companies had been flirting with each other for quite some time.

Share prices for both companies immediately jumped double digits once the U.S. stock markets opened on Thursday, probably because Lionsgate agreed to pay essentially an 18 percent premium on Starz stock price.

The acquisition is expected to close later this year.

'Power Rangers': Where Are the Mighty Morphin Actors Now? (Photos)

THUY TRANG (Yellow Ranger): The actress who played California teen Trini Kawn tragically died in a car accident in 2001. But before that, she starred in two movies outside of the "Power Rangers" universe, 1996 comedy "Spy Hard" and 1996 action film "The Crow: City of Angels."
AUSTIN ST. JOHN (Red Ranger): The real-life martial artist who played Jason Scott Lee on the hit Fox Kids program is now an EMT serving overseas, according to his Facebook profile. After the original series ended, the Ranger appeared in three other incarnations of the famous fighting force, including "Power Rangers Zeo," "Turbo" and "Wild Force."
DAVID YOST (Blue Ranger): The oldest cast member, who played high school student Billy Cranston, has said he left the series in 1996 due to homophobia he experienced on set. Although he has racked up a few acting credits since ("After Diff'rent Strokes: When the Laughter Stopped," "Degenerate"), he spent much of the last decade producing reality television, including "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
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WALTER JONES (Black Ranger): This 43-year-old actor played Zack Taylor, a.k.a. the most color coded Ranger on the team, still acts to this day. He has 46 acting credits to his name, including TV guest star appearances, movies and voice work.
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AMY JO JOHNSON (Pink Ranger): The 43-year-old actress who played Kimberly Hart is arguably the most successful of the "Power Rangers" in Hollywood. Since leaving the series in 1995, she has starred as regular on TV shows including "Felicity," "The Division" and "Flashpoint." The married mom is also an accomplished singer/songwriter, with three studio albums under her belt.
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JASON DAVID FRANK (Green/White Ranger): The 40-year-old mixed martial artist who played Tommy Oliver reprised the role in 2014 for an episode of "Power Rangers Megaforce." In a 2013 interview, the MMA fighter said he's, "talking to Saban about making a PG-13 Green Ranger movie," and shot a reality show called "This Is My Morphin Life."
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